Some of you may have purchased the 1/18 scale model of the MINI from your local dealer. I purchased one several weeks ago to sit on my desk (while I wait for my name to come up for the REAL "order&quot. Although $70 seemed a little steep at the time, it was the only MINI I could get my hands on (that didn't have a $4000 "premium" attached).

After that, I spent a little time looking around the web; and just found a model that LOOKS like the exact same item (less the white "hood stripes&quot. It's built by the same model-manufacturer (Maisto), and is only $24.95! The one I just ordered was Chili Red, but they also had BRG and one of the Silver colors (couldn't tell which one).

Any how; if any of you out there are interested, the outfit is:

Scale Cars.com
Web site: http://www.scalecars.com

Do a search under "MINI", and you'll find both 1/18th and other sizes (including models of the ORIGINAL Mini).

When I get the ACTUAL model, I'll repost with a comparison of the $70 version vs the $24.95 version!

-DavidG

 

Hey DavidG and everyone out there in Mini Land!

A friend of mine at work brought me in an add she got (out of the Sunday Paper I think) for 1:24 scale models of the 2002 Mini Cooper. They are in Red, Blue or Yellow and all with white tops. They are made by National Motor Museum Mint and they are selling for $9.98. Buy two, and get the third free! "Forged, Heavy Die-cast material, hood and doors that open" I geuss they can be seen at http://www.motormint.com, although I haven't been there yet.

I'm still deciding which two I want. The friend at work gets the third!

 

I picked up the red one at BJ's for 10 bucks.

Vincent

 

I am MINI crazy, I have the 1/24 Chile Red, the BRG, the remote control red MINI from the dealer, a English Bulldog, the real thing there, he thinks he is my copilot, and I am getting the big banner with the bulldog on it from the dealer when it comes down. I am looking for a MCS dark silver 1/24 or smaller but cannot find that, I think IXO or some company makes it just have not been able to get one, even on ebay, no luck! :smile:

 

_______________________________
I am MINI crazy, I have the 1/24 Chile Red, the BRG, the remote control red MINI from the dealer, a English Bulldog, the real thing there, he thinks he is my copilot, and I am getting the big banner with the bulldog on it from the dealer when it comes down. I am looking for a MCS dark silver 1/24 or smaller but cannot find that, I think IXO or some company makes it just have not been able to get one, even on ebay, no luck! :smile:
______________________________

I got the remote control red MINI, also. I figured I needed a MINI to drive until my real one comes in. It is a pretty cool remote control car. My dogs aren't big fans of it and I think it is drving my wife nuts. Whenever the wait for my MINI gets too much for me I just cruise the remote controlled MINI around the house and I feel much better.

 

I picked up a Chili Red Cooper with white...... for .95 cents!
Good ol Hot Wheels!!! I love it! It sits next to my computer... just looking at me all day.
SW

PS. It took several trips and several stores to finally find one!

 

I've got the 1:18 Maisto silver/ black top just like my MINI from http://www.diecastfast.com for under $24. Those are the best quality! It's at work along with my MINI mousepad. I want to get a red and white smaller model to put inside my fish tank

 

I have the 1/18 BBurago version of the Chili Red/White roof MINI Cooper (Generally nice but lacks more detail...at least is Italian made!). I wanna get the Maisto MINI Cooper (Possibly Silver or BRG) as well (I can get it for $10 at either BJ Wholesale club or Cotsco).

The absolute best and finest 1/18 MINI Cooper replicas are made by German precision die-cast manufacturer, Autoart. We are talking about a superbly detailed and richly finished 1/18 MINI model, with photo etched parts (No stickers), plumbed engine, carpet and cloth seats, etc. This baby retails for around $70.00 at hobby stores and online die-cast collectors outlets (Yes this is not a toy). A must have for any MINI fan.

The best online store that I recommend (I am a model car collector myself of many years) is http://www.exoticar.com

If you want the finest 1/43 scale MINI Cooper replica, look no further to German manufacturer MIniChamps. This models retails for about $40 and is also a delight in terms of detailing and quality of finish.

I have an original 1969 mint-in-box classic Austin Mini from Matchbox made in England by Lesney. It is 33 years old and has never been played with. It has the original "Superfast" box (Intact) and the model has original, glossy paint and "29" number decals on each side. I have several other Matchbox models of the era in similar condition.

 

Revell from Germany also makes a 1/12 scale die cast Chili Red/White roof MINI Cooper. It is stunning! Exoticar.com sells it for $99.00.

The French die cast model maker, Solido, also offers a 1/18 replica of the MINI Cooper. I have not seen it, so I can't pass judgement on the quality of the model.

I have yet to see a die cast model in any scale of the Cooper S.

 

___________________________________
I picked up a Chili Red Cooper with white...... for .95 cents!
Good ol Hot Wheels!!! I love it! It sits next to my computer... just looking at me all day.
SW

PS. It took several trips and several stores to finally find one!
____________________________________

Good find! I always look in the Hot Wheels section in hopes for a MINI but have never found one. I'm like you, for .95 cents I get a little MINI to put next to my computer at my office. Can't beat that price.

 

http://www.gotmini.com is where I got 4 out of my 5 MINI models.

 

I checked the "DieCastFast.com" web site; their price for the Maisto 1/18 model (red or black Mini Cooper) was $17.99.

-DavidG

 

Some of the Sam's Clubs have the Chili Red Mini with white top at an even
better price. :smile:

 

>>Some of you may have purchased the 1/18 scale model of the MINI from your local dealer. I purchased one several weeks ago to sit on my desk (while I wait for my name to come up for the REAL "order&quot. Although $70 seemed a little steep at the time, it was the only MINI I could get my hands on (that didn't have a $4000 "premium" attached).
>>
>>After that, I spent a little time looking around the web; and just found a model that LOOKS like the exact same item (less the white "hood stripes&quot. It's built by the same model-manufacturer (Maisto), and is only $24.95! The one I just ordered was Chili Red, but they also had BRG and one of the Silver colors (couldn't tell which one).
>>

>>When I get the ACTUAL model, I'll repost with a comparison of the $70 version vs the $24.95 version!
>>
>>-DavidG


I indicated that when I received the model, I'd post the results to the MCO. Well, the $24.95 version is EXACTLY the same as the $70 version at the MINI dealer, with one exception: no white hood stripes. Other than that, when they're sitting next to each other you can't tell them apart.

But wait! There's MORE.
On one of the sites, someone mentioned that there was a MINI Cooper S model! Verified, and sitting on my desk! At http://www.ewa1.com they sell (1/24?... the "middle" size) models of the MCS. Very detailed, and in a nice plastic display box. $23.95 for the model. I got the one in "Electric Blue", with white sunroof & white 17" wheels; they also have one in "Dark Silver".

So, those of you who have been waiting for your MCS model to put on your desk; your time has come!

 

DavidG,
Thanks for letting us know about this!!!
I'll be ordering my DS S soon!!!
By the way..... I snagged this pic while on the site listed above.
Again thanks.
SW

 

I also have a full size real English BULLDOG, as my copilot, also I call him my money pit, we live at the Vets office, and yes I am getting the big banner from my dealer also when it comes down, I have already cleared that through MINI USA, I have 3 cars from Maisto, 1 car 1/43 scale that looks just like my car from IXO, the remote control car from the dealer, saved all the adds from magazines etc, and have a life size Sandicast Bulldog, darn thing must weigh in at 40 lbs, Max the real BULLDOZER weighs in at 78 lbs and loves to ride in the front seat or my lap, of which I don't allow either.

 

http://www.gotmini.com for all your model and accessories. 1/24 MINIs $9.99. 1/18 MINIs only $22.95. The best prices and shipping only takes 3-4 days. I purchased from them several times already.

I found a cool r/c MINI on ebay for $24.95!!!!!!!!!!!

 

>>DavidG,
>>Thanks for letting us know about this!!!
>>I'll be ordering my DS S soon!!!
>>By the way..... I snagged this pic while on the site listed above.
>>Again thanks.
>>SW
>>
>>

Yep; that's the picture of the one I just received. Very nice looking!

 

>>I also have a full size real English BULLDOG, as my copilot,


Darn; I never thought about the dog.... I hope they'll sell me a MINI when they find out I only have a Greyhound. What he lacks in "track", he makes up for with MINI-like "agility"
:smile: